Jets release Wilkerson, Forte retires

The Jets have finally parted ways with DE Muhammad Wilkerson whose play rapidly deteriorated after cashing in on a big contract two years ago. By the end of last season Wilkerson's work ethic went down as much as his on-field performance, as the former Pro Bowler was benched for the final three games due to being late for meetings.

The Gang Green had to cut Wilkerson before March 16 or else his $16.75M salary for 2018 would've become fully guaranteed. Wilkerson was due to count $20M on the cap. The Jets will save $11M by cutting him.

Wilkerson, 28, was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He recorded career high 12.0 sacks in 2015 and made it to the Pro Bowl. Next year he signed a 5-year $86M contract that included $37M in guaranteed money and a $15M signing bonus. His production has been in a nose dive ever since - 4.5 sacks in 2016 and 3.5 sacks in 2017.

In other news, veteran RB Matt Forte has announced his retirement from the NFL. He was signed by the Jets as a free agent before the 2016 season and ran for 813 yards, 7 TDs in his first year with the team. Last season was much worse, as Forte gained only 381 yards on the ground. He battled a chronic knee injury throughout the season before landing on the injured reserve in Week 17.